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Other stock markets in Europe also made gains as bond yields eased: Germany’s DAX index rose 1.08% to 6,747, France's CAC 40 index increased 1.1% to 3,273, and the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares inched ahead 1.08% to 1,045.

Mothercare to close 111 stores

Retailer Mothercare (MTC.L) added 13.25p, or 7.8%, to 183p as it announced plans to suspend dividends and close 111 stores over the next three years, with a possible loss of 750 jobs.

The group is battling to save its UK business and hopes to increase profits by £13 million in March 2015.

Citywire Top Stock GKN (GKN.L) took on 11.8p, or 6.1%, to 203p as analysts at Credit Suisse changed their stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘outperform’ with a target price of 240p.

Recruitmentgroup Hays (HAYS.L) jumped 7.25p, or 8.9%, to 88.5p as it forecast full-year profits to be at the top end of estimates.

Analysts at Jeffries increased their target price on the stock from 110p to 120p, and Seymour Pierce raised its recommendation on the stock from ‘sell’ to ‘hold’.

Hedge fund Man Group (EMG.L) lost 0.3p, or 0.26%, to 115p as Moody’s decided to place its debt ratings on review. The stock was also hit as Barclays reduced its target price on the stock from 180p to 145p.